Periodic Reporting for period 3 - BionicVEST (EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT OF BIONICS VESTIBULAR IMPLANT FOR BILATERAL VESTIBULAR DYSFUNCTION)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-09-01 bis 2023-02-28
After these four years of research on this project, we have made significant advances in the field of neurootology. Our action has yielded several key findings:
• We have successfully developed the first electrical stimulation system aimed at restoring balance in patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. This achievement represents an important milestone in the treatment of balance disorders.
• The dissemination of our results through the media and scientific conferences has generated increased interest and awareness in both the scientific community and the general public about the importance of research in this field and the innovative solutions available.
• Collaboration with other researchers and securing additional funding for a new hearing conservation project broadens the scope of our research and positions us as a leader in the search for treatments for vertigo in a wider patient population.
There are three main areas to which the development of this project has contributed:
-Technological Advances:
Our research has led to significant technological advances in the field of electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ. We have developed and refined a pioneering electrical stimulation system specifically designed to address bilateral vestibular dysfunction. This breakthrough represents a cutting-edge technological solution that allows for the restoration of balance in patients who previously lacked effective treatment options. Our surgical approach and device design have also evolved to ensure the safety and efficacy of otolithic stimulation.
-Clinical Impact:
The results of our research have had a profound clinical impact on the lives of patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. We have observed remarkable improvements in postural stability, reduction of vertigo episodes and overall improvement in quality of life. In addition, the expansion of our approach to hearing conservation offers new hope for those patients who suffer from vertigo but still retain their hearing. Our work has opened new doors in healthcare and quality of life for a previously underserved population.
-Analysis of Neurophysiological Outcomes:
Our research has allowed for an in-depth analysis of specific neurophysiological responses to electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ. We have observed a direct correlation between otolithic stimulation and modulation of vestibular signals, resulting in improved balance function and reduction of vertigo symptoms. This analysis has contributed to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and efficacy of otolytic stimulation compared to other vestibular approaches.
To further exploit our results, we plan to:
• Continue to collaborate with other researchers to improve and refine our otolithic organ electrical stimulation system, optimising its therapeutic benefits and safety.
• Develop specific and personalised treatment protocols for patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction, thereby maximising clinical outcomes.
• To broaden our international outreach, participating in congresses and conferences on otorhinolaryngology in general and/or neurootology in particular and establishing collaborations with medical and scientific institutions around the world.
• We have successfully developed the first electrical stimulation system aimed at restoring balance in patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. This achievement represents an important milestone in the treatment of balance disorders.
• The dissemination of our results through the media and scientific conferences has generated increased interest and awareness in both the scientific community and the general public about the importance of research in this field and the innovative solutions available.
• Collaboration with other researchers and securing additional funding for a new hearing conservation project broadens the scope of our research and positions us as a leader in the search for treatments for vertigo in a wider patient population.
There are three main areas to which the development of this project has contributed:
-Technological Advances:
Our research has led to significant technological advances in the field of electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ. We have developed and refined a pioneering electrical stimulation system specifically designed to address bilateral vestibular dysfunction. This breakthrough represents a cutting-edge technological solution that allows for the restoration of balance in patients who previously lacked effective treatment options. Our surgical approach and device design have also evolved to ensure the safety and efficacy of otolithic stimulation.
-Clinical Impact:
The results of our research have had a profound clinical impact on the lives of patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. We have observed remarkable improvements in postural stability, reduction of vertigo episodes and overall improvement in quality of life. In addition, the expansion of our approach to hearing conservation offers new hope for those patients who suffer from vertigo but still retain their hearing. Our work has opened new doors in healthcare and quality of life for a previously underserved population.
-Analysis of Neurophysiological Outcomes:
Our research has allowed for an in-depth analysis of specific neurophysiological responses to electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ. We have observed a direct correlation between otolithic stimulation and modulation of vestibular signals, resulting in improved balance function and reduction of vertigo symptoms. This analysis has contributed to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and efficacy of otolytic stimulation compared to other vestibular approaches.
To further exploit our results, we plan to:
• Continue to collaborate with other researchers to improve and refine our otolithic organ electrical stimulation system, optimising its therapeutic benefits and safety.
• Develop specific and personalised treatment protocols for patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction, thereby maximising clinical outcomes.
• To broaden our international outreach, participating in congresses and conferences on otorhinolaryngology in general and/or neurootology in particular and establishing collaborations with medical and scientific institutions around the world.
Throughout the life of the project, we have complied with the established schedule. The development of a vestibular cochlear implant has allowed 10 patients with deafness and bilateral vestibular dysfunction to significantly improve their quality of life. Allowing, in some cases, to go from depending on another person for their daily activities to being totally independent.
During the clinical study, we were able to observe that, in addition to improving balance, electrical stimulation provided other benefits that have opened up new possibilities and avenues of research not directly related to vertigo, and could benefit other patients with other types of neurosensory disorders.
This will contribute to the opening of new research projects and provides new information to what we already knew about electrical stimulation and its application in neurology and neurootology.
The results of our project have been widely recognised and valued both nationally and internationally and also by patients themselves following the improvement in quality of life they have experienced. To date, we have disseminated our findings through the following media:
• Interviews and articles in local media, such as Canarias 7 and La Provincia, which have reached both general audiences and the scientific community.
• Scientific conferences and presentations, both national and international, where we have shared our findings and techniques with thousands of medical professionals, scientists and students.
• We established collaborative relationships with other research groups and obtained additional funding for a new project that will broaden our focus to include patients with hearing but suffering from vertigo/vestibular dysfunction.
To further exploit our results, we plan to:
• Continue to collaborate with other researchers to improve and refine our otolithic organ electrical stimulation system, optimising its therapeutic benefits and safety.
• Develop specific and personalised treatment protocols for patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction, thereby maximising clinical outcomes.
• To broaden our international outreach, participating in congresses and conferences on otorhinolaryngology in general and/or neurootology in particular and establishing collaborations with medical and scientific institutions around the world.
In summary, our project has revolutionised the treatment of vertigo and bilateral vestibular dysfunction. The positive clinical impact has translated into a significant improvement in patients' quality of life. Our research has provided an in-depth understanding of the neurophysiological responses to otolithic stimulation and has paved the way for future developments in this and related fields. The dissemination strategy has generated a high degree of awareness and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future research that will benefit patients worldwide.
During the clinical study, we were able to observe that, in addition to improving balance, electrical stimulation provided other benefits that have opened up new possibilities and avenues of research not directly related to vertigo, and could benefit other patients with other types of neurosensory disorders.
This will contribute to the opening of new research projects and provides new information to what we already knew about electrical stimulation and its application in neurology and neurootology.
The results of our project have been widely recognised and valued both nationally and internationally and also by patients themselves following the improvement in quality of life they have experienced. To date, we have disseminated our findings through the following media:
• Interviews and articles in local media, such as Canarias 7 and La Provincia, which have reached both general audiences and the scientific community.
• Scientific conferences and presentations, both national and international, where we have shared our findings and techniques with thousands of medical professionals, scientists and students.
• We established collaborative relationships with other research groups and obtained additional funding for a new project that will broaden our focus to include patients with hearing but suffering from vertigo/vestibular dysfunction.
To further exploit our results, we plan to:
• Continue to collaborate with other researchers to improve and refine our otolithic organ electrical stimulation system, optimising its therapeutic benefits and safety.
• Develop specific and personalised treatment protocols for patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction, thereby maximising clinical outcomes.
• To broaden our international outreach, participating in congresses and conferences on otorhinolaryngology in general and/or neurootology in particular and establishing collaborations with medical and scientific institutions around the world.
In summary, our project has revolutionised the treatment of vertigo and bilateral vestibular dysfunction. The positive clinical impact has translated into a significant improvement in patients' quality of life. Our research has provided an in-depth understanding of the neurophysiological responses to otolithic stimulation and has paved the way for future developments in this and related fields. The dissemination strategy has generated a high degree of awareness and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future research that will benefit patients worldwide.
Our research has focused on electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ, an area of study that differs from most research focused on electrical stimulation of the semicircular canals. This has allowed us to advance beyond the state of the art and explore a unique approach to the treatment of vertigo and bilateral vestibular dysfunction.
Some of the advances beyond the state of the art include:
• The identification of the best surgical techniques for safe and effective implantation of electrical stimulation devices in the otolithic organ.
• Understanding the specific neurophysiological responses to electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ and how these contribute to the restoration of balance.
• Recognition of the importance of broadening our treatment goals towards hearing conservation, providing hope for a solution for patients with vestibular dysfunction and preserved hearing.
• And from a social point of view, to be able to bring treatment to a group of patients neglected due to lack of technology.
Some of the advances beyond the state of the art include:
• The identification of the best surgical techniques for safe and effective implantation of electrical stimulation devices in the otolithic organ.
• Understanding the specific neurophysiological responses to electrical stimulation of the otolithic organ and how these contribute to the restoration of balance.
• Recognition of the importance of broadening our treatment goals towards hearing conservation, providing hope for a solution for patients with vestibular dysfunction and preserved hearing.
• And from a social point of view, to be able to bring treatment to a group of patients neglected due to lack of technology.